Pavers bring in $6,350 for Riverfront

Sales up from last year

DIXON – Paver sales from the "Leave Your Mark Program" tallied $6,350 for the Riverfront Commission in the last 12 months, members learned Tuesday. That's up about $500 from last year.

The commission sold 31 pavers, eight more than last year, Riverfront Chairman Larry Reed said. Engraving started Tuesday.

Since the program started in 2010, the memorial bricks have raised $53,693, which has gone into maintenance and projects at the Heritage Crossing.

"[Executive director] Kay [Miller] just sold three pavers today," Reed said. "We'll keep selling them for fundraisers, as long as it's still going good."

Reed also said he and commission member Paul Miller met with the city regarding the organizational study to explore Riverfront, Dixon Tourism and Dixon Main Street consolidation options.

Police Chief Danny Langloss, special assistant to the City Council, proposed he start a committee to study the three organizations, which asked for city funding this year, to determine if they are operating as efficiently as possible, or if they would be better off consolidating. Langloss will make a recommendation to the City Council.

"I told them I don't care how it comes out, as long as the [commission] gets a say in the future of maintenance," Reed said, noting he's doesn't want to see the maintenance slip at the Heritage Crossing.

Last month, it was estimated the Riverfront could wind up spending about $2,000 to replace the dirt in flood-damaged areas at Heritage Crossing.

By using dirt donated by the city and moving plants around, the commission was able to stay within its $360 budget, maintenance coordinator John Groshan said.

The Riverfront also learned that its sign violates city code, because it lacks the proper foundation for a ground-based sign, among other things. A subcommittee was formed to install a sign that meets codes.

Another subcommittee will explore funding options for a possible $5,025 storage unit.

Reed said he will meet with city officials regarding a request for an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant. Reed said the grant would secure funds for a bike pathway from the Riverfront leading to Seventh Street.

Groshan also said the Riverfront should have more committees with membership involving residents from outside the commission, not only to work more efficiently on topics, but also to get more townspeople involved.

To buy a paver

Engraved pavers to be installed at the Dixon Riverfront Heritage Crossing are $250 for a 6-by-8-inch stone with three lines, up to 13 characters per line; $275 for a 6-by-12-inch paver with three lines, up to 18 characters per line; and $325 for a 12-by-12-inch paver with seven lines, up to 18 characters per line.

Go to www.dixonriverfront.net or www.discoverdixon.org/riverfront for forms, or call Riverfront Executive Director Kay Miller at 815-973-0931. Forms also are available at Dixon City Hall, Dixon Chamber of Commerce, or Dixon Main Street.

Dock subcommittee meets Saturday

The Riverfront Commission's boat dock subcommittee meets for the first time at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Dixon Main Street Office, 115 S. Hennepin Ave., to discuss ways to raise enough money to install a 13-slip dock at Heritage Crossing.

The project, which was heavily discussed last summer at Riverfront meetings, would cost about $153,000: $82,305 for the docks, $42,500 for a vertical anchoring system and $28,000 for labor. There is only $4,665 in the boat dock fund.

Go to www.discoverdixon.org or call 815-288-1485 for an agenda or more information.